In A Far-Away Land...

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In A Far-Away Land...

You know how most fairytales begin by specifying that either the events of the story or the Prince/Princess live in a “Faraway Land”?

That’s us. All of us.

We are all the people in extraordinary circumstances living out strange stories in our own personal faraway lands. (Though I’m not sure if that take makes me feel better or worse about it…)

What we have at our disposal however, which the characters of the fairytales sorely lack, is a way to communicate between our faraway lands. A way to peek through small windows into the other peoples’ lives. A way to connect.

Is it as wonderful as being able to ride a steed or step through a portal and be fully immersed in another space?

No, certainly not.

But we do have this technology to give us an advantage. An advantage allowing for new and continued connection, friendship, and creation.

Today, I would like to share some of my quarantine connections, and how they’ve worked (or not worked).

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The Creative Corner - Guest Blog #3: Shannon Haddock

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The Creative Corner - Guest Blog #3: Shannon Haddock

Michael contacted me with the theme of Creating/Making, and I thought, “Oh. I don’t do either of those things.” Yesterday, I decided to explore what it means to be considered an artist, when you feel like you’re not.

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The 5-Hour Rule

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The 5-Hour Rule

About two years ago, there was a pretty sizable buzz about something that the media was dubbing “The 5-Hour Rule.”

In it’s most basic form, it was being described as: “Read 5 hours per week or you’ll never amount to anything!!!” Which caused a little bit of blowback and debate…you know, so news outlets could sell more advertising and drive more traffic.

But what is the actual principle behind the rule, and how is it useful to creatives?

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Calling All Craftivists

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Calling All Craftivists

(This blog was inspired by multiple episodes of The Spark File podcast - it’s well worth the listen!)

Since the inauguration of our current President just over 3 years ago (read: 9 lifetimes ago), there have been reports of people feeling the effects of a new phenomenon, which has been labeled as:

“Activism/Social Justice Fatigue or Burnout”

Burnout was originally defined as:

“A state of physical and mental exhaustion caused by one’s professional life.”

But Activism Burnout? This phenomenon is not restricted to professional/work environments. Many people feeling this phenomenon are quite young and still very much in school.

Activism Burnout is due to having to constantly fight against the larger state of being of a society, country, legal system, and world in which social injustices and humanitarian crises are running rampant, fed by those who couldn’t care less about other humans or the future.

Oh, plus - ya know - the normal everyday stressors of individual life.

So, what to do?

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Sparks Are Flying

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Sparks Are Flying

As I’ve said on this blog many a time, I love information and I love learning. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that I’m a big fan of podcasts.

Since I drive to Long Island for work 5-7 days per week, I spend a lot of time in the car, which is where I usually listen to podcasts. And in addition to the history and language podcasts that I’ve taken to, I also try to listen to podcasts about the business and creativity as well.

And it was in this vein that this fall I began listening to The Spark File.

“What is a Spark File?”

“Where do I get one"?”

“What do I file in it?”

These are all excellent questions, and Laura Camien and Susan Blackwell have the answers.

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